Makoko: Lagos Assembly steps in as demolitions spark outcry, promises compensation

The long-simmering tension over demolitions in Makoko reached a critical turning point on Tuesday as the Lagos State House of Assembly ordered the immediate suspension of the exercise, following sustained protests by residents and civil society groups.

The directive emerged from a meeting between lawmakers and representatives of the Makoko community at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja, where residents voiced concerns over displacement, lack of consultation and the humanitarian impact of the demolitions.

Addressing the gathering, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, said the legislature had resolved to intervene decisively to protect the interests of affected residents and ensure that due process is strictly followed.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and honourable members of this House, we are taking this matter seriously. All ongoing demolitions should be stopped,” Adams declared.

He explained that the Assembly would immediately engage relevant ministries, departments and agencies to review the circumstances surrounding the demolitions.

According to him, the process would be guided by inclusiveness, transparency and meaningful stakeholder engagement, particularly with the Makoko community.

As part of the oversight process, Adams demanded full disclosure of the taskforce responsible for the demolitions, including the criteria used in its constitution.

He stressed that residents must not be sidelined in decisions that directly affect their lives and livelihoods.

“We want to see the list of the taskforce that was constituted because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” he said.

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In a move aimed at reassuring the community, the Majority Leader pledged that the Assembly would ensure an end to the demolitions and secure compensation for residents whose properties had already been affected.

“As your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensation for all those whose properties have been demolished,” Adams assured.

Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the House ad-hoc committee handling the issue, underscored the importance of clear and timely communication.

He said residents slated for relocation or affected by redevelopment plans must be informed well in advance to avoid unnecessary hardship and tension.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Babatunde Olajide, disclosed that the state government had earmarked $2 million since 2021 for the transformation of Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

Olajide said the enumeration of affected properties is ongoing, adding that the state government remains committed to a humane approach to urban renewal—one that prioritises resident safety, transparency and fair compensation as Makoko’s future is being reshaped.